Method and apparatus for assessing susceptibility to stroke

摘要

A method is described for facilitating assessment of susceptibility to stroke. Electrical signals are collected from the brain of a patient under assessment. Data corresponding to the signals is then compared to a standard. The standard may represent a neural electrical signal taken from a person known to be susceptible to stroke. A positive comparison suggests susceptibility of the patient to stroke. The comparison can be used to characterize neural blood flow and the degree of susceptibility. This can be used in determining the need for additional testing and/or appropriate therapy. This information can also be used in categorizing the patient to determine enrollment in clinical trials. Alternatively, the standard represents a neural signal taken at an earlier time from the patient under assessment. A positive comparison suggests that the condition of the patient is unchanged. A negative comparison suggests that the neural activity of the patient has changed, implying changes in neural blood flow. This can suggest susceptibility.